Dental Cleanings and Periodontal Treatment

The first steps of the oral evaluation process include a cleaning and exam. During this first visit, we will clean, polish, and floss your teeth. Occasionally, topical fluoride or desensitizer is applied at this visit. The examination consists of an oral cancer screening, a periodontal charting, and dental treatment planning.

The periodontal charting consists of taking measurements of the gingival sulcus or pocket depth to determine the health of the periodontium. The readings are made in millimeters; 1-3mm readings are considered normal and any reading greater than 3mm indicates areas of inflammation or bone loss. Recession and mobility of the teeth, if any, are also noted during this time. With all this completed, we can make an accurate diagnosis of the condition of the gingiva. Health is defined as firm, pink gums that do not bleed or show any signs of inflammation.

Gingivitis literally means “inflammation of the gums.” Bleeding is the characteristic finding when scaling and probing the teeth. The redeeming quality of gum tissue is that it is resilient. This means that gingivitis is completely reversible with proper professional cleanings and good home care, including brushing and flossing daily.

Chronic Periodontitis is characterized not only by inflammation but also by bone loss and recession of the gums. It is diagnosed by looking at the pocket depths, the recession present and x-rays to evaluate the level of bone loss. It can be further classified into mild, moderate, or severe cases and is exacerbated by poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, bruxism, use of some long-term medications, changes in hormones, certain illnesses, and stress. Sometimes, genetics can predispose an individual to chronic periodontitis but it is not a direct cause. If you believe you may have gum disease/periodontitis, contact your dentist immediately.